Republicans Say Progress Is Being Made on Budget Balancing Proposal

By Lori Dougovito&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Thu 4:33 PM, Mar 08, 2007

The Governor has requested they present their proposal by next week. Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop says he's already discussed aspects of the senate's proposal with democratic leaders and they're ready to go today.

Bishop declined to comment what plans include. "If we start getting cuts out in the media it makes it difficult to negotiate with members of the legislature," he says adding the changes can be made without raising taxes.

Governor Jennifer Granholm proposed balancing the books, in part, by imposing a two percent tax on currently untaxed services. She's looking to fill a $900 million deficit.

Representative Rick Jones says, "We've got to make cuts first. If the programs aren't doing what we want them to, not producing results, they need to be cut."

Jones said he would keep K-12, police and fire funding safe, but nix unnecessary spending.

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